Matt Kelly argues that people with chronic illness need sustained, two-way communication with their healthcare providers. This approach empowers patients, leads to better outcomes, and lets doctors make timely adjustments to treatment.
If you have a chronic illness, what's the best investment you can make for yourself and for your healthcare? In my opinion, working with patients with chronic illness for a long time, is communication. Doesn't cost you anything. Communication has to be a two-way street between your healthcare providers and you, and you being able to communicate with them does a couple of things. Number one, it gives you back some power and makes you more empowered, which is scientifically related to better outcomes. Also, it keeps your healthcare provider on track and knowing what's going on inside of you as you communicate how things have gone since the last time you had a visit. That can help your healthcare provider make course corrections that can help you get to your healthcare goals much faster. If you find this interesting and are interested in continuing education, drop AAMP in the comments.
